String cutter



June 16, 19 42. 0, LY H I 2,286,289

STRING CUTTER Filed Aug. 1, 1939 INVENTOR fiJ Chuck/:1

ATTO

NEY

Patented June 16, 1942 UNITED ST TES ATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

This invention relates to a string cutter.

The invention has for an object to provide a novel, simple and highly efiicient string cutter adapted to be used while held in the hand or while secured to a stationary supporting member, and the construction of which is such as to permit maximum economy in the manufacture thereof and convenience in assembling.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved string cutter adapted to be attached to a stationary supporting member, and which may be made up as a replaceable unit, being riveted or otherwise permanently assembled.

With these general objects in view, the invention consists in the string cutter and in the various structures, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and particularly defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

In the drawing illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of one embodiment of the string cutter shown attached to a separate supporting member secured to a stationary support; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the string cutter shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a cross-section view on the line 33 of Fig. 1 showing one of the preferred methods of aligning and clamping the members together; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the string cutter shown detached from its supporting bracket as it is used while held in the hand; Fig. 5 is a front elevation of a modified form of the present string cutter, riveted together to form a unitary replaceable member; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 6-5 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail view of an embodiment of the invention particularly adapted for cutting a large diameter string or cord; Fig. 8 is a plan view of a modified form of supporting member for the string cutting unit; and Fig. 9 is a perspective View of the supporting member shown in Fig. 8 and showing a cutting unit inserted therein.

In general, the present string cutter comprises a pair of clamping members provided with two spaced, parallel slots or notches and a standard double edged safety razor blade interposed between the clamping member, is arranged obliquely with respect to the notches so as to expose portions of the opposite edges of the cuttingblade. The members are aligned with relation to each other by suitable lugs and the parts are clamped in their assembled relation by a single bolt, centrally disposed, and provided with a knurled nut, enabling the unit to be quickly and easily assembled. The single securing bolt is also made use of to attach the unit to a slotted supporting bracket by simply loosening the bolt and sliding the unit into position with one of its longitudinal edges resting against the table or other support and then tightening the unit in place.

A particular feature in the construction of the present string cutter resides in the formation of the aligning lugs, whereby the latter are formed integrally with one of the clamping members by punching out hollow raised portions adapted to enter openings in the other clamping member. A modified form of the present invention comprises a construction in which the blade is permanently affixed between the clamping members by heading over or pressing the extended hollow lugs in riveted engagement with the opposite clampingmember.

Referring now to the drawing, Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, illustrate one of the preferred embodiments of the invention which comprises clamping members l0, I2, each provided with spaced parallel notches I4, [5, preferably flared at their open ends to receive the string or twine to be out. A standard double edged safety razor blade I6 is interposed between the clamping members at an angle to the parallel notches l4, 15 so arranged as to expose portions of the opposite edges of the cutting blade within the notches. The exposed cutting edges cooperate with the walls of the notches M, iii to cut the string or twine l8 when the latter is drawn therethrough. In order to assemble the members in'aligned relationship, one of the clamping members I0 is provided with hollow lugs 20 whichare formed integrally with the clamping member II! by a simple punching operation. The lugs 20 are arranged to extend through the end holes or openings in the standard safety razor blade and also through the end holes 22 in the opposite clamping member I2.

In order to support the blade or cutting edge to the best advantage, one edge of each parallel slot l4 and I5 is curved as illustrated to follow a path substantially parallel with the angularly disposed blade until the cutting edge is reached whereupon the edge ll] dips downwardly and forms an enlarged or widened portion with the upper edge 12. The enlarged portion 14 of each slot is provided to permit the partially severed twine to expand as it passes the relatively narrow portion adjacentthe cutting edge. Experience has demonstrated that the additional support along the cutting edge, as shown, is effective to minimize the liability of cracking or breaking the relatively thin blade when in use. Although normally the string or twine is grasped at both ends and pulled against the blade, it was found in practice that the user would usually have but one hand free in which case he would simply insert the length of twine to be cut into the slot and give a jerk on one end of the twine. This action caused an undue lateral force on the edge of the blade and breakage would result. The improved slot formation shown tends to minimize this difi'iculty.

The members are held together in their assembled relationship by a single bolt 24 which extends through a central opening 26 and is provided with a knurled nut 28 at its outer end. When so assembled, the unit may be used in the hand as a convenient tool for cutting string or twine from wrapped bundles or may be used for cutting off the proper length of string during the bundling operation. However, the tool is readily adapted to be quickly and conveniently attached to a stationary supporting bracket 36, provided with a slotted portion 32, and secured to a counter or table 34 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The bolt 24 is of sufficient length so that when the nut 28 is loosened, the upstanding portion 36 of the bracket may be received between the head of the bolt and the cutting tool whereupon the nut is tightened to secured the unit in place. When clamped upon the stationary bracket it will be observed that one or the other of the longitudinal edges 38, 48 rests upon the supporting member 34 to keep the tool from turning on its pivot when in use. When used in the position illustrated in Fig. 1, the upper edge of the blade I6 is used and it will be observed that when this edge becomes dulled, the unit may be reversed to dispose the opposite edge of the blade in operative position. It will be apparent from the construction of this embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive that the blade I6 may be easily and quickly replaced when necessary.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, as therein shown, a modified form of the present invention comprises a unitary tool including the outer guard members 60, 52 and a double edged razor blade 54 permanently affixed therebetween. The guard member 50 is provided with hollow lugs 56 punched out from the metal, and in assembling the unit, the extended portions of the lugs are headed over and pressed against the opposite guard member 52 as illustrated at 58. This modification is designed particularly for replacement as a unit since in practice it was found that the manufacturing cost of the guard members is substantially equivalent to the cost of a single cutting blade and may be produced at a very low cost. For practical purposes when used as a pocket tool, the construction illustrated in Fig. 6 is most desirable since the bolt and nut members are eliminated providing a thinner construction with less bulk and more convenient to be carried in the pocket. It will be observed that this construction may likewise be supported in a stationary bracket 68 secured to a counter or table.

It will be observed that the cutting tool may be stationarily supported upon either a vertical or horizontal surface to suit the convenience of the operator as by screws 62 and that the construction of the tool is such as to enable the unit to be sold at a reasonable price.

Referring now to Fig. 7, as herein illustrated, provision is made for cutting a piece of string or cord 64 which may be of larger diameter in cross-section than the width of the notched or slotted portion of the cutting tool. In this embodiment of the invention, the cutting blade is disposed at an angle with relation to the slot in a manner such as to begin the cutting operation before the cord enters the narrow portion 65 of the slot and while the cord is being drawn through the enlarged opening or mouth 61 of the slot. It will be observed that the upper edge 68 of the slot may be shaped so as to effect a camming action to force the large diameter cord against the cutting blade when the string is drawn therethrough. Thus, in operation, the large diameter cord is partially severed when it enters the narrow portion 65 of the slot and continued drawing of the cord through the slot will complete the severing operation.

A modified form of supporting or holding member for the string cutter, as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, is adapted to hold the tool in operative position without the use of screws or other attaching devices. As herein shown, the holding member comprises two upright side walls 16, 78 between which the tool may be yieldingly inserted. The side walls are joined at one end to provide a stop 80 against which the tool rests when fully inserted. Base flanges 82 extend laterally from the side walls 16, 18. The holding member may be attached to a table 84, see Fig. 9 or other supporting surface by screws 86. A slotted portion 88 is provided in either side wall. In practice, the slotted portions 88 are made large enough to embrace the central connecting members, herein shown as the bolt 24 and nut 28 when the tool is inserted in the holder and the lower edge of the tool is arranged to be flush with the surface of the table. When in use the tool is held from pivotal movement by the engagement of the lower edge of the cutter with the table and is held from lateral and upward movement by the side walls 16, I8 and the engagement of the central connecting members with the slotted portions 88 respectively.

It is not desired to limit the invention to the particular form, herein illustrated for securing or assembling the members together as other means may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the bolt 24 may be integral with one of the clamping members instead of loosely extending through it or the nut 28 may be eliminated by providing a threaded portion in one of the clamping members. It may also be found desirable in some instances, to use separate rivets to secure the members together instead of the integrally formed rivets shown in Fig. 6. Also, instead of using a safety razor blade, a two edged blade of heavier construction may be used.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1- A string cutter comprising a pair of clamping members having an elongated opening formed therein, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged at an angle to said opening to expose a portion of the cutting edge, One of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, and means for clamping the members in assembled relation, said elongated opening being gradually restricted from either end thereof and having its narrowest portion adjacent said cutting edge, whereby to provide maximum lateral support for said blade and to afford clearance at either end of said elongated opening for the string being cut.

2. A string cutter comprising a pair of clamping members having an elongated opening formed therein, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping member and arranged at an angle to said opening to expose a portion of the cutting edge, one of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, said members having a central opening therein, a bolt extending through said opening and a nut cooperating with said bolt to clamp the members together in assembled relation, said elongated opening being gradually restricted from either end thereof and having its narrowest portion adjacent said cutting edge, whereby to provide maximum lateral support for said blade and to afford clearance at either end of said elongated opening for the string being out.

3. A string cutter comprising a pair of clamping members having an elongated opening formed therein, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged at an angle to said opening to expose a portion of the cutting edge, one of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, means for clamping the members in assembled relation, and an angle bracket adapted to support said members in a stationary position, said elongated opening being gradually restricted from either end thereof and having its narrowest portion adjacent said cutting edge, whereby to provide maximum lateral support for said blade and to afford clearance at either end of said elongated opening for the string being out.

4. A string cutter comprising a pair of substantially rectangular clamping members having an elongated slot formed therein and disposed in one corner thereof, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged with its cutting edge extending obliquely across said slot, one of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, and means for clamping said members together in assembled relation including a single bolt extending through a central opening in said members and a knurled nut cooperating with said bolt, said elongated slot being gradually restricted from either end thereof and having its narrowest portion adjacent said cutting edge, whereby to provide maximum lateral support for said blade and to afiord clearance at either end of said elongated slot for the string being cut.

5. A string cutter comprising a pair of substantially rectangular clamping members having an elongated slot formed therein and disposed in one corner thereof, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged with its cutting edge extending obliquely across said slot, one of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, and means for clamping said members together in assembled relation including a single bolt extending through a central opening in said member and a knurled nut cooperating with said bolt, and a slotted angle bracket adapted to receive said single bolt to secure the members in a stationary position.

6- A string cutter comprising a pair of clamping members having an elongated opening formed therein, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged at an angle to said opening to expose a portion of the cutting edge, one of said clamping members being provided with hollow lugs formed integrally therewith and arranged to extend through openings in said blade and the opposed clamping member, means for clamping the members in assembled relation, and a bracket adapted to removably receive said members and to retain them in operative position by hooking engagement therewith, said bracket comprising a pair of upright walls joined at one end, base flanges extending laterally from said side walls, said side walls being provided with slotted portions arranged to removably embrace said clamping means.

'7. A string cutter comprising a pair of clamping members each having an elongated slot formed therein, a cutting blade interposed between said clamping members and arranged at an angle to said elongated slot to expose a portion of the cutting edge, and means for clamping said members and said blade in assembled relation, said elongated slot being gradually restricted from either end thereof and having its narrowest portion adjacent said cutting edge whereby to provide maximum lateral support for said blade and to afford clearance at either end of said elongated slot for the string being cut.

OLAF B. LYSHAUG. 

